Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting and hearty meal that combines savory ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy dairy all baked to perfection. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Step 3: Stir in the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Step 4: While the sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
- Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese. Add the cooked egg noodles and season with salt and pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
- Step 6: Spread half of the egg noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers with the remaining egg noodles and meat sauce.
- Step 7: Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese has melted, about 30 minutes.
- Step 8: Let the casserole cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce while simmering.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Swap cottage cheese for ricotta if you prefer a smoother texture in the dairy mixture.
- Top with fresh parsley or basil before serving for a fresh garnish.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 15 minutes.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh the next day following the original baking instructions.
Can I freeze the Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole?
Yes, it freezes well. Wrap the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
PrintSour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole Recipe
This Sour Cream Beef Noodle Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender egg noodles layered with a savory ground beef tomato sauce, creamy sour cream and cottage cheese mixture, and topped with melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this baked casserole combines rich flavors and creamy textures for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Noodles and Dairy Mixture
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook Beef and Sauce: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to enhance the flavor.
- Prepare Sauce: Stir in the tomato sauce and Italian seasoning to the beef mixture. Let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook Noodles: While the sauce simmers, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Combine Dairy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream and cottage cheese. Add the cooked egg noodles and season with salt and pepper. Stir gently until everything is evenly combined.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the egg noodle and dairy mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top evenly with half of the meat sauce. Repeat layers with the remaining egg noodle mixture and meat sauce.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the layered casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese has melted and turned slightly golden.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat in the casserole.
- For extra flavor, you can add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the beef mixture.
- If you prefer a tangier dish, substitute some of the sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead; assemble it and refrigerate before baking.
Keywords: beef casserole, sour cream casserole, baked beef noodles, comfort food, easy casserole recipe

